My original vision for this plushy sherpa fabric was a self-drafted poncho-esque top that was probably doomed to failure from the get-go; methinks this fabric is just ill-suited for what was in my head. I had to make something out of that failure, and it had to have relatively small pieces for me to cobble together out of the original mess I created. So I went with tried and true George and Ginger: the Romy bolero.
I wanted make the gathered version, but I wasn’t confident I’d be able to tetris the pieces needed. So this is the simple version.
About the Pattern
George and Ginger // The Romy Set
This is my first Romy, and as usual, I was not disappointed. Clear instructions, great fit.
About the Fabric
Main: Deluxe Plush Sherpa Knit from Boho Fabrics
- Weight: 16 oz
- Horizontal Stretch: 75%
- Vertical Stretch: 15%
- Width: 60″
- Contents: 100% Polyester
I’ve never made anything with sherpa knit before. It’s a very lofty fabric and tends to shed at the cut edges—though not nearly as bad as the minky fabric I used on my first Duchess coat. The challenge in working with sherpa is just the bulk created by all that fluffy goodness. It took some TLC when running it through the serger, especially working the start of a seam under the presser foot. It can also be tricky making sure the raw edges are lining up. I used my sewing machine to attach the bodice band and the neckband before running it through the serger to finish the edge.
Accent: leftover Marble Ice 9×4 Brushed Rib Knit Fabric from Boho Fabrics
- Weight: 9.5 oz
- Horizontal Stretch: 100%
- Vertical Stretch: 50%
- Width: 60″
- Contents: Poly, Rayon, Spandex Blend
I had to cut the bands along the grain since my remnant pieces weren’t long enough. I could have cut them cross-grain like I was supposed to but I didn’t want to have to sew multiple pieces together so I said screw it. It had reasonable vertical stretch so it would work well enough.
About This Make
- size 12
- +2″ to sleeves
What I Did Differently
- The sleeves call for a regular hem, but I decided to bind them instead. I hate hemmed sleeves, and I didn’t like the idea of cuffs on this just for how they would contrast with the loft of the sherpa and maybe make the sleeves look too puffy around the wrist.
Notes for Next Time
- Lengthen the bodice by 6 inches.
- Maybe try binding the bottom bodice edges.
- Modify the sleeves for cuffs—assuming I use a fabric where that plays well.
Project Settings
Sewing Machine vs. Serger
| Sewing Machine | Serger |
|---|---|
|
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Sewing Machine Settings
| Presser Foot | Stitch# | Stitch Width | Stitch Length | Needle | Top Thread Tension | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| standard zig-zag (A) | 5 | 1.0 | 4 | blue tip | 4 | seams |
| adjustable edge (SE#6) | 5 | 1.0 | 4 | blue tip | 4 | topstitch |
Serger Settings
| Stitch Name | 4-thread overlock |
|---|---|
| Needles | R, L |
| Finger | B |
| Threads | 4 |
| Tension Left Needle | 4 |
| Tension Right Needle | 4 |
| Tension Upper Looper | 4 |
| Tension Lower Looper | 4 |
| Cut Width | 6 |
| Stitch Length | 2.5 |
| Differential | 1.0 |
| Application | seams |
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